While Ford Bronco fans patiently await the famed 4x4's 2020 release, they can feast their eyes on this genuine original
Rocket from the Crypt
With the Ford Bronco having a retro-renaissance in the eyes of both restorers and Ford itself, the timing was indeed perfect for the unveiling of this incredible 1966 model, believed to be completely original. Delivered to its first owner in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1966, this orange-hued gem was retired to a barn in 1987 until its recent discovery.
Images courtesy of Ford Authority & Motorious.com
Tough Act to Follow
The Ford Bronco was originally released following the company’s tremendous success with another, more formidable American automotive classic: the Mustang. The goal of the design was to offer drivers a utilitarian 4x4 that was short on thrills and long on off-road capability.
>>Join the conversation about this original Ford Bronco right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Orange Crush
The first Ford Bronco would ignite a passion for utility vehicles that still burns bright to this day, so much so that Ford has promised a rebirth of the Bronco that’s slated for 2020. To keep costs down on the original design, the Bronco was offered in a single trim level with a wide variety of options to choose from. In fact, the slated 2020 offering has drawn considerable inspiration from the ’66 version —the very first Bronco to leave the stable.
>>Join the conversation about this original Ford Bronco right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Range Life
This particular find owes its excellent condition to the fact that it was largely confined to a Utah ranch for most of its active life. With nearly no major rust spots to speak of and surprisingly clean engine bay, the owner of this ’66 Ford Bronco roadster even claims that the truck’s original distributor is fully-functional and intact. Not bad for a fifty-three-year-old piece of plastic!
>>Join the conversation about this original Ford Bronco right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
'Manual' Up
Three different body styles were offered across the original Ford Bronco’s single trim level. This roadster edition features the quintessential 289ci V8 Ford engine, complete with the archetypal three-speed column shift gearbox and manual transmission. In fact, an automatic transmission wasn’t available on Ford Bronco until 1973.
>>Join the conversation about this original Ford Bronco right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Pride of the Fleet
Immeasurably charismatic, this classic Ford has collectors' and restorers' heart's racing as the demand and interest for original Broncos continues towards an apex in anticipation of the vehicle’s 2020 rebirth. And while interest in Ford’s new design is expected to be intense, it’s doubtful that new models will be made available in this awesome orange hue, one of the thousands of reasons why in the world of automotive restoration, an original classic always tops a modernized impersonation.
>>Join the conversation about this original Ford Bronco right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
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